Bachmann vs. Hensarling race heats up

Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, a favorite of the conservative movement, has circulated a letter to lawmakers and recently elected Republicans asking them to support Texas Rep. Hensarling.

“Jeb's economic expertise and strong ability to communicate are what we need in our conference chairman to articulate our unified commitment to get our country back on track,” Ryan wrote in the letter. “This position requires someone who has a command of these issues and has a history of successfully debating them.”

Hensarling also picked up the support of Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), who is the top Republican on the Financial Services Committee.

“In his role as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Jeb has earned nationwide respect for his opposition to socialized health care and strong advocacy for fiscal responsibility and smaller government,” according to the Bachus letter, which was obtained by POLITICO.

Meanwhile, Bachmann of Minnesota sent her colleagues a note Thursday, saying that she is looking to “build on the excellent work Chairman Mike Pence has accomplished.” Pence already endorsed Hensarling.

Bachmann, according to the letter obtained by POLITICO, is making the case that she brings “strong principled conservative values, a proven level of experience, effectiveness with our friends in the local and national media, and an energetic national constituency that reflects the results of Tuesday night.”

“It is important that our conference demonstrate to the people who sent us here that their concerns will be tirelessly advanced at the table of leadership,” she wrote.